Shahid Afridi questions exclusion of two all-rounders from Pakistan T20 squad

Former Pakistan cricket captain Shahid Afridi has expressed surprise over the exclusion of two all-rounders from the T20I squad for the upcoming series against Ireland and England.

The Pakistan team is currently in Ireland for a three-match series and will then travel to England for four games.

Speaking to reporters in Karachi, Afridi noted that it's surprising that Mohammad Wasim Jr. was kept in the team for a long period and now has been dropped. He also mentioned the absence of Aamer Jamal from the squad.

"It's surprising how after keeping Wasim Jr in the team, he was dropped," Afridi said.

"After Abdul Razzaq, we saw a good all-rounder in Aamer Jamal, it's surprising he wasn't retained," he further added.

Afridi also expressed his desire for Babar Azam to rise as a captain of high caliber.

"A good captain takes important decisions in difficult times. We want Babar to become a great captain as much as he is a great player. All these players have been playing for a long time, their job now is to do well in the World Cup, he concluded.

It is worth noting that Pakistan is set to play their first T20I against Ireland on Friday. The remaining two games will be played Sunday and Tuesday, before the team heads for a series of four T20Is against England.